About the song
“Coward of the County” is a poignant and powerful song by the legendary country music artist Kenny Rogers. Released in November 1979, this track was penned by the talented songwriting duo Roger Bowling and Billy Ed Wheeler. It’s one of the standout songs from Rogers’ multi-platinum album “Kenny,” which showcases his unique ability to tell a compelling story through music.
The narrative of “Coward of the County” revolves around the life of a young man named Tommy, who, after witnessing the violent death of his father, vows to honor his last words by avoiding confrontation and living a peaceful life. However, the song takes a dramatic turn when Tommy is pushed to the brink and must decide whether to maintain his father’s wish or stand up against injustice. This story of personal struggle and moral decision resonated deeply with listeners, contributing to the song’s widespread acclaim.
Upon its release, “Coward of the County” quickly climbed the charts, securing the number one spot on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart in the United States. It also achieved considerable success on the Billboard Hot 100, reaching number three, and it was warmly received internationally, particularly in Canada and the United Kingdom. The song’s gripping narrative, coupled with Rogers’ emotive delivery, made it a favorite among fans and critics alike.
Kenny Rogers, known for his rich, warm voice and his ability to convey profound emotion, brought this song to life in a way that few others could. “Coward of the County” remains a timeless classic, exemplifying Rogers’ storytelling prowess and his deep connection with his audience. For many, the song is not just a piece of music but a vivid story that continues to evoke strong emotions and reflections on courage, honor, and the complexities of human nature.
Video
Lyrics
Everyone considered him the coward of the county
He’d never stood one single time to prove the county wrong
His mama named him Tommy, but folks just called him Yellow
But something always told me, they were reading Tommy wrong
He was only ten years old when his daddy died in prison
I looked after Tommy, ’cause he was my brother’s son
I still recall the final words my brother said to Tommy
“Son, my life is over, but yours has just begun”
“Promise me, son, not to do the things I’ve done
Walk away from trouble if you can
Now it won’t mean you’re weak if you turn the other cheek
I hope you’re old enough to understand
Son, you don’t have to fight to be a man”
There’s someone for everyone and Tommy’s love was Becky
In her arms, he didn’t have to prove he was a man
One day while he was working, the Gatlin boys came calling
They took turns at Becky an’ there was three of them
Tommy opened up the door and saw Becky crying
The torn dress, the shattered look was more than he could stand
He reached above the fireplace and took down his daddy’s picture
As his tears fell on his daddy’s face, he heard these words again
“Promise me, Son, not to do the things I’ve done
Walk away from trouble if you can
Now it won’t mean you’re weak if you turn the other cheek
I hope you’re old enough to understand
Son, you don’t have to fight to be a man”
The Gatlin boys just laughed at him when he walked into the bar room
One of them got up and met him half way cross the floor
When Tommy turned around they said, “Hey look! Old Yellow’s leaving”
But you could’ve heard a pin drop when Tommy stopped and locked the door
Twenty years of crawling was bottled up inside him
He wasn’t holding nothing back, he let ’em have it all
When Tommy left the bar room, not a Gatlin boy was standing
He said, “This one’s for Becky”, as he watched the last one fall
And I heard him say
“I promised you, Dad, not to do the things you’ve done
I walk away from trouble when I can
Now please don’t think I’m weak, I didn’t turn the other cheek
And Papa, I should hope you understand
Sometimes you gotta fight when you’re a man”
Everyone considered him the coward of the county